Chapter Eleven: Volunteering

Xiang Yang pondered for a moment. He had initially thought that something had happened at Black Wind Stronghold, causing the county's strongmen to back down and not dare to help Zhou Fugui, so he wanted to gather information to prepare for any eventualities. Now that he understood the reason, he had no desire to stay any longer.

However, just as he was about to speak, the Wordless Book in his mind suddenly emitted a light. Another layer of the book, inscribed with text, peeled away from the depths of his pupils. It turned out the book had issued him a new mission: to help Zhou Fugui redeem Miss Zhou. If the mission was successful, he would be rewarded with the Iron Finger Technique.

Xiang Yang's heart stirred. After weighing the situation, he immediately dismissed the idea of leaving. He glanced at Zhou Fugui, who wore a troubled expression, then placed his left hand on the scabbard of his Wild Goose Feather Saber and spoke, "Master Zhou, since those strongmen cannot come forward now, I am willing to make this trip on your behalf and deliver your message to Black Wind Mountain Stronghold. What do you think?"

Before Zhou Fugui could reply, Fu Da Chun, seated to Xiang Yang's right, jumped up. "Brother Xiang, have you lost your mind? Black Wind Mountain Stronghold is a dragon's den where people are eaten without their bones being spat out. Don't be foolish."

Fu Da Chun thought Xiang Yang was acting impulsively, wanting to go up the mountain to kill the bandits and avenge his father. This wasn't impossible, especially after the scene where Xiang Yang drew his saber at the Zhou family's main gate, which had left a deep impression on Fu Da Chun. He didn't want his friend to die young.

Xiang Yang shook his head and glared at Fu Da Chun, telling him to calm down, then shifted his gaze back to Zhou Fugui.

Zhou Fugui's eyes lit up, showing some interest. However, he thought of how Xiang Yang's father, Xiang Da Niu, had died at the hands of Black Wind Mountain Stronghold. If Xiang Yang were to act recklessly, not only would Miss Zhou not be redeemed, but it might also anger the bandits and endanger his daughter. He wanted to refuse.

Seeing Zhou Fugui's expression, Xiang Yang knew things might not be going well. He quickly spoke, "Master Zhou, don't be so quick to refuse. Please hear me out.

Undeniably, Xiang Yang despises Black Wind Mountain Stronghold and wishes he could take his saber and exterminate those beasts. However, I am self-aware. Currently, I am alone and without support, and I cannot achieve that. My only goal is to use this opportunity to gather information about the stronghold's specific situation.

Furthermore, I made this decision after careful consideration. I will absolutely not delay Miss Zhou's rescue mission, nor will I place Miss Zhou in danger. Please consider this carefully, Master Zhou."

Xiang Yang spoke with genuine sincerity. Zhou Fugui was somewhat moved, and Zhou Fu, the Zhou family's steward, also nodded slightly, even with a hint of joy. This was a hard-won opportunity, and it couldn't be let go.

Going to Black Wind Mountain Stronghold sounded simple, but it was difficult to execute. If Zhou Fugui offered a large sum of money, desperate individuals, blinded by greed, would naturally take on the task. But if they lacked the necessary backing, they might be chopped into meat paste before even catching a glimpse of the stronghold.

Firstly, Black Wind Mountain Stronghold was located on Black Wind Mountain, dozens of miles outside the county town. The mountain roads were rugged, and wild beasts roamed the forests. If one was not careful, they would become the beasts' excrement.

Secondly, under the suggestion of the second-in-command, the Poison Scholar, Black Wind Mountain Stronghold had built several outposts. If someone entered the mountain to search for Black Wind Mountain Stronghold, and they were few in number, they might be killed before they could even speak. If there were many people, the sentries at the stronghold would assume it was a government crackdown, and they might immediately return to report. Then, the many bandits of the stronghold would break into smaller groups, hiding in the mountains, rendering the effort fruitless.

Thus, Zhou Fugui was in a dilemma and had never found a strongman capable of undertaking his request to go up the mountain. He remained worried and furrowed his brow until this day.

"Master, Constable Xiang followed the heroic Xiang from a young age and practices martial arts. His saber skills are proficient, making him the most suitable candidate to go up the mountain. Moreover, if he can pass the outposts and enter the stronghold, meeting a few of the leaders, perhaps he can truly get the job done."

Zhou Fu urged him. As the Zhou family's steward, he had watched Miss Zhou grow up under his care and had deep affection for her. He wished he could send someone to rescue his young lady immediately. Now that Xiang Yang had volunteered and was also a county constable, he wished he could depart at once.

Zhou Fugui shook his head and raised his hand to signal Zhou Fu to stop talking. He then turned to Xiang Yang and said, "Young Brother Xiang, I appreciate your good intentions, but I cannot let you fall into danger.

Your father intercepted the bandits of Black Wind Mountain Stronghold this time, killing two and injuring many. He has already incurred a blood feud with Black Wind Mountain Stronghold. If you go up the mountain, you will surely meet a terrible end. I cannot let you take this risk."

Xiang Yang nodded, gaining more admiration for Zhou Fugui. From his words, one could discern his character. At least he was not a selfish and unrighteous villain. Xiang Yang spoke, "Master Zhou, you don't need to worry. As long as the four of us in this hall remain silent, how would Black Wind Mountain Stronghold know my identity? Moreover, I resemble my late mother, so those villains likely won't see through it."

Finally, he placed his left hand on his saber and drew it with a swish. He tossed the teacup on his right side. With a slash and a strike, the saber light flashed, splitting the teacup and its lid into four pieces. Simultaneously, with extremely fast hand speed, he lowered the saber blade and caught the falling pieces of the teacup. With four distinct clinks, not a single piece was dropped, showcasing his exceptional saber skills.

Zhou Fugui, Zhou Fu, and Fu Da Chun stared with wide eyes. "Amazing, amazing! With just this move, few constables in the county could do it. Truly, a hero's son is also a hero. Xiang Da Niu could kill the villains, and Xiang Yang is not much different."

Xiang Yang, on the surface, remained calm. He slowly placed the teacup, split into four pieces, back on the table and sheathed his saber. In reality, he was extremely worried, as catching the teacup wasn't always successful.

The move Xiang Yang just displayed seemed mystical, like that of a renowned saber master. In truth, it still utilized the 'slash' and 'press' techniques of basic saber art. However, combined with Xiang Yang's current extraordinary strength and hand speed, it created this visual effect.

Moreover, Xiang Yang had also thought it through well. If he had failed to catch the teacup just now, he would have simply sheathed his saber. After all, displaying the saber slash was already impressive. Now that it was perfectly executed, it added even more flair.

Fu Da Chun's face turned red with excitement. "No wonder Little Brother Xiang is so confident. It turns out his martial arts have greatly improved. Looking at it this way, the danger of going to Black Wind Mountain Stronghold isn't that great."

Xiang Yang had anticipated this. Otherwise, he wouldn't be risking his life for a mere Iron Finger Technique.

Bandits sought wealth. In the past, some families had used money to redeem captured relatives. Currently, Zhou Fugui was simply the wealthiest among them.

As long as Xiang Yang could navigate the mountain roads and safely reach the front of Black Wind Mountain Stronghold from the outpost, the danger would be greatly reduced. There was even an eighty percent chance of a safe return and a seventy percent chance of successfully redeeming Miss Zhou.

Besides these, Xiang Yang could also use this action to scout Black Wind Mountain Stronghold, observe Hu Qiang up close, complete the mission, and obtain the Iron Finger Technique to enhance his martial arts skills. There was no reason not to do it.

"Nephew Xiang, since you have this intention, I will entrust this matter to you. Everything will be according to your instructions. If you successfully rescue my daughter, I am willing to offer a thousand taels of silver as thanks. Even if you fail, as long as you return safely, I will still give you two hundred taels of silver as a hardship fee."

Fu Da Chun looked confused. "Shouldn't he be betrothing his daughter and giving three tea houses? Why has it shrunk so much?"

However, Xiang Yang didn't pay much attention to these details. Instead, he was somewhat pleased. He hadn't initially sought Zhou Fugui's fortune. Now that he was getting paid, it was already quite good. He could gather information about his enemies, obtain the Iron Finger Technique, and earn money, thus not having to worry about the medicinal soup for the Iron Crotch Technique. It was a win-win-win, excellent.